To minimize hazardous waste outhaul and convert waste into valuable product, TriStar PetroServ processes waste streams for coker injection. This includes slurrying hydrocarbon-based sludge for coker feed and slurrying aqueous-based sludge or centrifuge cake to feed the coker on the quench side.

TriStar personnel have been involved in successfully processing sludge streams for coker injection for over a decade.

Hydrocarbon-based sludge can be processed for feed in two ways. First, processed hydrocarbon-based sludge can be slurried and pumped to the feed side of the coker. Second, aqueous-based sludge or centrifuge cake can be slurried and fed to the coker on the quench side.

Obvious benefits to the process are - first and foremost - eliminating hazardous waste outhaul and asssociated costs. An added benefit is simultaneously converting a waste to a saleable product, as in the case of petroleum coke production.

Some technical concerns have been raised regarding downgrading the quality of anode grade coke. A study was done by one refiner that disproved this theory in at least one case. Obviously, each refiner has to make their own decision regarding this issue. We encourage you to contact TriStar for a thorough evaluation of your application.

Current industry trends point toward grass-roots construction of cokers in refineries to handle the larger volumes of sludge now being produced by higher-sulphur, heavy crude oils.

The construction of "host" facilities (whereby refiners will be permitting their cokers to take in waste from other refiners) is gaining momentum and could offer some short term price advantage for waste disposal. It is likely that the construction of these sites will largely benefit only the refiners who own them as it is envisioned that other disposal channels will react to this competitive issue and prices for their services will drop to meet the new market paradigm.